A police sergeant in Nakhon Phanom died after his handgun accidentally discharged while he was cleaning it outside his home on 21 April. The bullet struck his chest, and despite urgent medical treatment at Nakhon Phanom Hospital, he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred at a housing estate on the bypass road between Ban Tha Khwai and Ban Noi Nong Khem in Nong Saeng subdistrict, Mueang district.
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Investigators identified the deceased as Pol Sgt Maj Phitsanu Tarawat, 45, an investigator attached to Mueang Nakhon Phanom Police Station. At the scene, officers found blood trails leading from the veranda to the road, along with a Sig Sauer handgun, a magazine containing ammunition and cleaning equipment placed on the bench seating. Forensic officers collected fingerprints and evidence as part of the examination.

Picture courtesy of Daily News
According to initial inquiries, the officer had suffered a fall from a tree over a year ago, leaving the right side of his body impaired and affecting his investigative duties. As a result, his superiors reassigned him to a custody role to allow time for recovery. On the day of the incident, he was cleaning his firearm while seated outside his house, as his wife, a nurse, watered plants nearby.
During the process of reassembling the weapon, a single shot was fired. The officer reportedly ran to his wife clutching his chest and said, “My gun went off, I am hurt,” before collapsing. His wife immediately rushed him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Police have documented the scene and will continue reviewing the circumstances to confirm the sequence of events. The findings are expected to inform internal safety reviews regarding firearm handling, particularly during maintenance procedures.
Daily News reported that authorities stated that further details will be released following the completion of the forensic examination and official report.
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 22 Apr 2026
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